Hello hello, again, Foodie Friends 🙂 Hope you had a great sunny weekend! For this edition of Foodie Adventures, we threw a surprise 30th anniversary dinner, spent Sunday morning in downtown Greenville, SC, and made eggplant shrimp pasta with mom!
Hello hello, again, Foodie Friends 🙂 Hope you had a great 4th of July weekend! For this edition of Foodie Adventures, check out our eats from our Saturday festivities, Making South Carolina’s famous “Bird Dogs”, and adventures in making homemade ice cream!
4th of July Festivities
Greenville, SC
We spent a very quiet 4th of July with Jamie’s family, compared to my family’s festivities of the past, with the entire extended family all in one place. Only a few were there on Saturday, as we were all trying to be very good about social distancing.
Jamie’s brother broke out the smoker again for these awesome 14-hour smoked BBQ’ed Boston butts, complete with grilled sausages and a ton of sides from the rest of the family that visited. Broccoli salad, potato salad, quick-pickled cucumbers, and coleslaw were some of the ones pictured below.
We also were tasked with making dessert, and if you saw our Instagram on Saturday, you got to check out this “Recipe Refresh” early! If you missed out, no worries, we’re going to break it down for you.
Our amazing Lucious Lemon Cake recipe got an upgrade with the cupcake sizes, same great filling, and an amazing lemon-raspberry glaze, topped with blueberries and luster dust ✨ (to make them a little more festive looking)! We call these our Red, White, and Blue cupcakes! My friends that we went to visit later on that evening cleaned us out of the second dozen we made, they were a smash hit with the raspberry frosting! 🧁
One of the first places that Jamie’s family took me to was this tiny little hole-in-the-wall restaurant they loved called Mac Smith’s (their link is above, go check them out!).
This restaurant, which originally started out as a gas station, turned into a butcher shop and country store, and eventually turned into the little restaurant known and loved by locals today. They’ve been in business for 75 years, and their signature country sausage is made from a 50-year-old family recipe, which can be bought and shipped to breakfast tables across the country!
Besides their sausages, what they’re really know for are their “Bird dogs”. This is one of those hyper-local regional favorites, to the point that if you tried to ask Google what it is, you’d find more pictures of German Shorthaired Pointers or ab exercises before you’d find out anything about this chicken-y delight.
Check out my Guy Fieri inspired rendition of me narrating the above, I had such fun with this! 🔥😁🙌
Could not resist channeling my inner Guy Fieri – such a big Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives fan!
No one is really sure who created the first “Bird dog” or where the idea came from, but at Mac Smith’s it’s one of their most popular dishes in the menu! Starting with a toasted hot dog bun, line the bottom with cheddar cheese and a few slices of bacon. Next, make your own homemade honey mustard (totally worth it to make from scratch), add a couple chicken tenders, top with the honey mustard, and viola!
The recipe for our homemade version is here to make this classic South Carolina special, wherever you are!
Adventures in Ice Cream
Lake Norman, NC
Throwing it back to Father’s Day weekend for a minute! My uncle came down to visit us and hang out with my grandma (she’s 95 now, her birthday just recently passed!).
One of my favorite activities that we’ve done in the past with my uncle is make ice cream together. He has an old fashioned ice cream machine he breaks out every Christmas, when the whole family comes over to celebrate! It’s also a make-your-own pizza party too (if the thought of homemade ice cream sundaes wasn’t already enticing enough).
My mom knows I love experimenting with local produce when it comes to my food. When I brought home some South Carolina Peaches and strawberries from the farmer’s market, she had this great idea to make ice cream out of them – dairy free of course! 🤗
Cutting up fresh strawberries and peaches for the ice cream!
Cutting up fresh strawberries and peaches for the ice cream!
Our prep work – the strawberries, coconut milk, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract in the second bowl.
Everything all together, waiting to go in the mixer!
Pouring everything into the ice cream machine to be mixed and frozen.
We ended up using a recipe from Chocolate Covered Katie’s food blog (that link is in blue, check it out!), which we added the fresh chopped up peaches and strawberries to. Check out the slideshow above for the process, and the pics below for the finished product! 😋🍦💜
It was delish! If you’ve never tried ice cream made with coconut milk, I highly recommend it. 💜 What’s your favorite ice cream mix ins? Have you ever made ice cream at home? Let us know of some cool flavors we should try next. 😁
So how was your weekend Foodie Friends? What’s a hyper-local special dish your town is known for? Sound out in the comments below to let us know your suggestions of what dishes to make or places we should visit next. As always, feel free to like, comment, & share 🤗
Hello again, Foodie Friends 🙂 Check out this list for every restaurant offering new outdoor seating options in the Upstate, SC area to #killcovidnotsmallbiz!
Restaurants Opening Outdoor Seating
Upstate South Carolina
With the governor beginning to slowly open up the state again, I wanted to provide you all an update, with the help of GVL Today’s post and comments from fellow Upstate South Carolinians, as to which restaurants are now adding or opening (social distancing friendly – 8 feet apart) outdoor dining to patrons.
*Side note: For all those looking for a great place doing Mother’s Day meals this weekend, see the link from our friend Kristina at Kidding Around Greenville here!
Now, back to our regularly scheduled list 😁 (will be updated here as more are added):
Adam’s Bistro – “Although it’s been a bit chilly, our patio has been full and so many have taken advantage of our online, contact-less curbside AND delivery services! So grateful to be here and so thankful to you all for coming out and taking such GREAT care of our amazing staff! Remember, during this time, we are playing it by ear (or business) and are still opening at 11 a.m. but closing at 8 p.m. (instead of 9).”
Augusta Grill – “We will be starting patio seating today; in addition to delivery, take-out and curbside pick-up. Open Tuesday-Saturday starting at 5pm 🙌🏼 we are doing 2 reservation only time slots for our patio seating; 5:30pm and 7:30pm Tuesday-Saturday. If you would like to make a reservation, please call (864) 242-0316. Our menu for the day is now online, www.augustagrill.com.”
Arizona Handcrafted Fare & Drink – “What’s up Simpsonville! We’ve missed you! 💜 It was a hot afternoon but it’s cooled off now and we are full outside! 🍴Tents arriving before end of the week! 🍴Sailcloth arriving by Mother’s Day 🤞🏼 🍴Once the tents are up, more tables moving outside!”
Azteca (Butler Rd.) – “We have a tent and music and great service right now, come see us for some great Mexican food!!”
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar – “Their new GM is the best, and they could really use the business! Along with their other locations in Columbia and Summerville, their patios are open daily from 11am to 9pm.”
Bimini’s Oyster Bar and Seafood Cafe – “Comfortable weather! Bimini’s has expanded outdoor seating! Last week……Gift Card Match – buy $50, get $100. Wings – $.50 each Mother’s Day – $15/person BIMINI’S LOW COUNTRY BOIL and Complimentary Rose on Sunday!”
Blue Daisy Cafe (Travelers Rest) – “We are 11am to 6pm, Wednesday through Saturday, until inside dinning is allowed. Afterwich, we will resume normal hours. You are welcome to tailgate in our beautiful backyard.!”
Bobby’s Seasoning & BBQ – “Hey y’all!! We are open the next 3 days (Thursday, Friday and Saturday) and are ready and prepared for all of the social distance outside eating you wanna do! We currently have 8 picnic tables with umbrellas – with 4 more being built! All the space you need to enjoy a much needed meal out with your family!! See y’all soon!! ☀️”
Bova Brick Oven – “Our patio is officially open! Everything properly spaced out. Still doing carry-out and delivery. ”
Brixx Pizza – “🚨 EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨 It’s a perfect day for pizza and the patio. Thankfully, we’ve been able to reopen our outdoor seating area, effective today, so come enjoy your Brixx fix al fresco!”
Chuy’s – “We are opening today, Monday May 4, 2020. Dining will be limited to the outside patio area only, as we follow state guidelines and recommendations. We are opening with our existing limited menu and earlier closing times: Sun – Thurs 11am-8pm and Fri & Sat 11am-9pm. You can still order Chuy’s made-from-scratch favorites for curbside pickup and delivery at order.chuys.com.”
City Scape Winery – “We are open for outdoor wine tastings starting Thursday! With 12 acres of land, we have lots of extra space for social distancing!”
Country House Cafe – ” Outdoor dinning, curbside or delivery 864-689-1110. Lunch specials 11am to 4pm, Dinner specials 4pm to 9pm.”
Crossroads 4 Coffee and Tea – “Fresh strawberries and new breads just delivered! Gallons for $17.50 // Quarts for $7.50. Order online or drive through for curbside service! 🍓🍞🥖 Patio seating is open! Order at the front door‼️”
Cucina 100 – “Sunday, May 10th we will open at 11am – 5pm for curb side to-go. First come first serve outside dining. Allow us to help you all enjoy your Mother’s Day. Call in orders 864-601-9606. Order online at www.cucina100.com.”
Delaney’s Irish Pub – “Plenty of outdoor space, Irish food, and brews, come see us!”
Eggs Up Grill (Woodruff Rd.) – “We are happy to announce we can serve you Outside!! We will be setting up some tables outside. We can not wait to see you all!! We have missed everyone so much. Please come out to our “patio”.”
El Patron (Fountain Inn) – “The Patio will be open starting tomorrow!!! if ya’ll wanna come and show some love 🙌😁🙌😁🙌😁 You can also order takeout all day! Thank you Fountain Inn, SC for all the love!!!”
First Watch (Simpsonville & Greenville) – “We are open every day until 2:30 pm. We’re now open for limited patio seating! We are taking every precaution possible to ensure your safety while dining with us. So come out and enjoy this beautiful weather and some delicious food! Togo is also still available, call 864-383-2300 to place an order today!”
Foxcroft Wine Co Greenville – “Will be opening our patio on Friday, May 8, serving wine and a limited food menu (including favorites like truffle fries, burgers and donuts). Hours will be 3-8pm Tuesday-Saturday. Retail wine sales and To-Go food also available. Cheers 🍷🙌🏻”
Full House Sportzaria in Simpsonville – “We WILL be opening our patio (and parking lot) at 4:00 today. Please be patient with us as we set up outdoor dinning and adjust to the current guidelines. Curbside, take out and delivery ARE STILL AVAILABLE for those who are not quite ready to venture out. That’s ok!! We thank you for all of your support and business during this time. We love you all!”
Garcia’s (Fountain Inn) – Enjoy your lunch from the comfort of our patio today. 😊 Come and enjoy a cold drink on our Patio today while keeping social distance!”
Gather GVL – “We will be open for takeout Tuesday and Wednesday then limited dining starting Thursday!”
Gringos Cantina Greenville – “Our patio will be open Friday 4-midnight, Saturday 11am – midnight and Sunday 11am – 10pm!!”
Growler Haus (West Greenville) – “Our patio is open today until 6pm. We will be following all guidelines for cleaning/sanitizing procedures as well as social distancing like we have been. PLEASE stay home if you’re not feeling well and be respectful to the new guidelines! Can’t wait to see everyone! We have a limited menu till Saturday. Come support a small local business and say Hi to all your friends! ”
Hans & Franz Biergarten – “We’re opening our Biergarten with outside dining today at 12:00. Dedicated outside, seating with spacious distance. Huge umbrella’s for shade. You can call in to reserve a table, but be on time we keep your reservation open for 15 minutes max. Our biggest table holds 8 people and has a distance of 10 foot from the other tables. The table holds usually 12 – 14 people so enough space there too. The place to enjoy the outside dining!”
House Divided Bar & Grill – “WE ARE READY AT HOUSE DIVIDED!!!! HOPE TO SEE YALL TODAY!!! OPEN 12PM-10PM!!!!”
Irish Pub – “Open for outside service at 4pm. Kitchen will open at 5. Tables will be available on a first come basis. Please save the eight top tables for groups. Food orders will be taken at the kitchen order window and drinks at the outside bar. Please remember to follow social distancing practices!!! We are excited to be able to open, but we want to keep everyone safe and healthy. “
Java Bistro – “Steady business outside today! Beautiful weather! Life is good! Come on out for lunch or breakfast! We can add tables outside as needed! 864-676-9993”
Jianna – “HAPPY RE-OPENING DAY!!!! – Today is a big day for Jianna. We are officially seating the patio. We are so excited to seat every reservation tonight- rain or shine. We hope you all Enjoy. Friendly reminder – We have touch less sanitizers all around the restaurant & will be practicing social distancing when needed. “
King Tut Grill (Simpsonville) – “We’re open for front porch dining and can’t wait to see you all!”
La Fogata – “We just ate outside here and it was amazing. Staff waiting on you, free drink refills, chips and salsa. Oh how we’ve missed it!”
Larkin’s – “Stop scrolling! We are so excited to announce that we are finally reopening and we will have our patio dining available starting tomorrow from 11am-8pm, Monday through Sunday! Open for lunch & dinner! 🙌🏼 Make your reservations online at www.larkinsontheriver.com/ and we absolutely can’t wait to serve you soon!”
Liberty Taproom – “Patio seating 12-8 pm everyday as well as curbside pickup!”
Limoncello – “We will have our patio dining available starting tomorrow from 11am-8pm, Monday through Sunday! 🙌🏼 Make your reservations online at https://www.larkinsontheriver.com/ and we absolutely can’t wait to serve you soon!”
Mac’s Speed Shop – “Mondays don’t have to suck! Especially when our patio is OPEN! With all of our tables moved at least 8 feet apart, of course! First come first serve ‘cause we have extremely limited seating! *We are practicing very strict social distancing and health safety guidelines recommended by the CDC and National Restaurant Association to keep you and our staff safe while getting a little glimpse of normalcy.”
Maple Street Biscuit Company (Five Forks) – “Starting May 4, we will have seating available once again on our patio! Come get our Biscuits topped with fried chicken, applewood bacon, cheese, and apple butter 😍”
Marble Slab GAC Five Forks – “We have a picnic area outside, too, just diagonal from Smoky Dreams! Come see us for dessert 😃”
Mill Town Place (Pelzer) – “We’re open and ready to see you guys! Covered porch seating available!”
Moe’s Original BBQ Greenville – “We’re open for limited outdoor patio seating as well as takeout, curbside & bite squad delivery!”
Molly and Myles Ice Cream – “Our Cherrydale location has a great big outside patio! Augusta st location opening in a few short weeks!!”
Mr. Jalapeño (Woodruff, SC) – “Hey amigos! We’re happy to hear that we can open our patio starting Monday🎉 we’re working on plans to keep you and our team safe✔️ We appreciate your loyalty💯”
My Compadres Restaurant – “The cherrydale location is opening for outdoor seating for the time being. 🤗”
Napoli – “We are deeply touched by the amazing support of our customers, and will strive to continue to serve you following the guidelines of DHEC and SC regulations as best we can. Thank you for your loyalty and support!!!!”
New England Seafood 🦞 – “Some outdoor seating, we will be setting up patio with some seating next…6′ apart of course 🤦♂️”
Northgate Soda Shop – “We’re open for outdoor seating, to go orders, and curbside service. Thank you!”
Olympian Grill (Five Forks) – “We’re serving daily from 3-9 on open patio and outdoor tent. Come see us today!!”
Papa’s N’ Beer – “We still want to keep practicing social distancing so this Cinco De Mayo will be a little different. Tables will be 8ft apart outside in our patios & tents. We will allow tailgating for our customers in parking lot.”
Pomegranate on Main – “We have our outdoor patio open from 11:30am-2:30pm for lunch and 5:30pm-10pm for dinner on weekdays! Saturday’s we are open from 11:30am until 10pm. We are also offering curbside pickup and delivery! @gvltoday ❤️”
Portofinos – “Outdoor dining starts tonight! Come join us for some great Italian food!”
Sassafras Bistro – “We will be opening on Wednesday, May 6th, for Patio dining! Open at 4pm. 🙌”
Scändi Tiny Coffee – “Outdoor seating is open. Lots of covered seating!”
Sharkeys Pub – “We will open for outdoor seating starting on Thursday!”
Shuckin’ Shack GVL – “Will be open for takeout and patio will be open tomorrow for Cinco De Mayo starting at 4. Then patio will open every Wed-Sunday 11:30-9 (8 ft apart of course)!!”
Southern Palate Restaurant – “OUTSIDE DINING IS OPEN!!!!! Greer, SC (864-469-7493), Monday-Friday 11-6 and Sunday 11-3. We also do Curbside Delivery and have Daily Specials too!
Family Meals – $19.99
Freezer Meals – $5-$15 (depending on dish and size)
Desserts
Banana Pudding $3.50, Chocolate Pie $2.00, Buttermilk Pie $2.00, Peach Cobbler $3.00, Brownies $1.00, GIANT Cinnamon Roll $5.00″
Smoky Dreams BBQ – “We’re open for Front Porch dining here Wed-Sat, 11-7 🙌 … at the corner of Woodruff Rd & Hwy 14! We have the front porch open with picnic tables 8 feet apart. We kindly ask that you’d order food first, then choose a place at a table (if someone has been there already we will ask you to wait until we fully wipe it down). It’s still #southernhospitality on our #frontporch #dining. It just looks a smidge different these days! 😉😃”
Stella’s Southern Brasserie – “We’re back to all-day service during the week! Come on in & pick up some groceries, lunch / brunch or dinner! Thanks for your patience as we adjust our hours during this time 😊”
Sue’s Wings and Things (Anderson, SC) – “Come see us outside today, open 11-9pm with our full menu. Be sure to bring a jacket, it’s chilly! Or grab it to go, we have two hosts inside ready to get your orders out as well 864-222-3031. WE have limited outside seating, first come, first served!”
Tacos & Mas – “Opening outdoor seating with Great margaritas, great tacos, no corona. What more do you want 🤷🏼♂️”
Taco La Barra (Woodruff Rd.) – “Weather is going to be beautiful, & we’re looking forward to serving YOU! Patio is the perfect place to spend the day with friends & loved ones!”
Taccozini – “Everyone, feast your eyes on our new spacious & beautiful 𝔹𝕚𝕖𝕣 𝔾𝕒𝕣𝕕𝕖𝕟 that we’ve created! It’s time to rid yourself of cabin fever—so come eat, drink & enjoy being outside at your favorite spot. 😎”
*From a fan – “Tacozinni is great restaurant that goes above and beyond your typical restaurant. The owner, Amy Rinkowski, is actively involved in the community whether it’s donating food or teaming up with local businesses to give back. We need more what @tacozzini does.”
Tasting Room (Travelers Rest) – “We’re open for outdoor enjoyment of wine & beer!”
Tequilas Mexican Restaurant – “Hello!! To our loyal Customers, Due to the situation right now will be closed for Dine-in , but will be gladly offering carry out and delivery by DOORDASH AND BITESQUAD. Please call the restaurant or check our website for updates. SEE U 👋 TOMORROW, TEQUILAS MEXICAN RESTAURANT 😉”
The Bohemian Cafe – “We’re opening outdoor seating starting today! 11-9:30pm while still offering curbside pickup and free delivery! Pictures of our new outside sidewalk bar and extended patio are on our IG feed! Thank You for all you’re doing @gvltoday 💜💚🧡”
The Coliseum Bar (Haywood Rd.) – “Now open daily 11am- 1am. We have amazing food and a great setup. Very friendly staff and patrons. Come visit us if you can. We will Open for outdoor dining Monday May 4th!! As always we still have to-go orders and delivery options available. Looking forward to seeing all our friends again soon! 🍻”
The Mountain House Restaurant @ Caesar’s Head – “We have a temporary to go menu, Ice cream and Homemade Fudge!!!!we have a few picnic tables outside to accommodate!! We will be open 12-5/6 Saturday & Sunday this weekend!!! You know you want to get out of the house!!!!”
The Spot on the Alley (Seneca, SC) – “We are open for business!! Yay!! Check out our extended outdoor seating!! More tents are on the way! (I think 🤔)”
The Station – “We’re back in business my friends! Outside and patio dining available daily starting at 12 pm. We have added tables to the parking lot for more availability! We also have cornhole set up outside for anyone interested! Come see us for cold beverages, phillys, wings and all your other favorites! We’ve missed you!”
Thomas Creek Brewery – “Patio is open today! Come and Enjoy with a killer selection of Wings and Thomas Creek Beers!!! Case specials are still in place…$25 Trifecta cases, $20 Dockside Pilsner and Amber cases, and don’t forget about Growler Fill Specials…See you soon!!!”
Tipsy Taco – “Starting Monday, May 4th we’re able to open for outside dining! This still comes with some restrictions which we will have posted at all locations. 🌮New hours starting Monday, May 4th: Sunday-Saturday 11am-9pm. 🌮Starting Monday we will no longer offer delivery, however you can always use a third party such as Bitesquad!
Trio A Brick Oven Cafe – “We are excited to announce, we will have limited outdoor seating beginning May 4th🙌🙌🙌🙌 Catch us outside, how about that?!?!”
Tropical Grille – “We have you covered (tents, tables, and all!) at our Woodruff Road location, Join us for a sit down meal and a little sense of normalcy.”
Typsy Tavern Bar & Grill (Anderson, SC) – “We are OPEN and ready for you. Come see Chasity and Brittany on the patio today…and bring a jacket! ☀️ 2 Bud Light Aluminums ALL DAY! 🍻 See y’all at Typsy! 🙃”
Uncle Berto’s Burritos – “🎉 🌮 HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO 🌯🎉 Celebrate by bringing the fiesta home with you! 🌮🌶 Taco Tuesday 👧👦 $1.99 Kids meals ☀️ ☂ Outdoor seating available
Urban Wren Winery – “We’re open for courtyard dining beginning this Friday, May 8th!”
White Duck Taco GVL – “Who is looking forward to tacos, cold beer, and margaritas in your living room with your kids? No one? Thought so. We are opening our outdoor dining tomorrow for people like just like you. As luck would have it, it’s Cinco de Mayo, Taco Tuesday and the 1st week out of quarantine. We’ll be celebrating with $3 draft beer specials all day. Can’t wait to see you! will be! 😊❤️”
Willy Taco Feed and Seed – “Yo, yo, yo … catch me on the pa-ti-o! We’ve always been about that al fresco, son. TUESDAY @ 11am we open our outside dining area. Looking forward to serving you passionately, responsibly, safely. Curbside pick-up and online ordering will continue, for your convenience.”
So looking forward to going out to eat again! Sound out in the comments below and let me know your suggestions of places we may have missed or should visit next. As always, feel free to like, comment, & share 🤗
Hello again, Foodie Friends 🙂 For this Foodie Adventure, I’m sharing some of my favorite kid-friendly recipes, fun local cooking kits for kids, and essential skills to help kids learn how to cook in no time!
Hello again, Foodie Friends 🙂 For this Foodie Adventures, my goal is to shine a spotlight on every restaurant I can find offering family style meals, free meals for kids, and take-out/carry-out in the Upstate, SC area to #supportsmallbusinesses!